Riot Shields x5: What Can You Use Them For?
By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Tips & Care
Discover practical uses for Victoria Miniatures Riot Shields x5 in your 28mm projects, from conversions to basing, plus painting tips and troubleshooting advice.
Quick Answer
Use the Riot Shields x5 set to add protective gear to 28mm heroic scale troops, create unique basing details, or as conversion pieces for kitbashes. They're versatile and easy to paint.
Why Riot Shields Are Useful in 28mm Projects
Riot shields are a niche accessory that can elevate your miniatures beyond standard fantasy or sci-fi fare. The Victoria Miniatures Riot Shields x5 set provides five shields sized for 28mm heroic scale figures, each 19mm high by 13mm wide. This consistent sizing means they fit most standard infantry models without modification, making them a quick win for adding a modern or dystopian feel.
Beyond their obvious use on law enforcement or security troops, these shields can serve as improvised armor for civilian militia, gang members, or even medieval fantasy units with a bit of conversion work. Their simple shape also makes them excellent canvases for freehand designs or decals.
Trade-Offs and Limitations
One limitation is that the shields are not designed for a specific game system, so you'll need to check whether they match the aesthetic of your chosen game. Additionally, they are sold as unassembled and unpainted parts, so you'll need to prepare and paint them yourself. The heroic scale means they work best with similarly proportioned miniatures; if your army uses true scale or smaller figures, they might look oversized.
Diagnosing Your Riot Shield Project
- Symptom: Shields look too large or small on your miniatures: Check the scale of your models. If they are true scale or smaller than heroic, the shields may appear oversized. Consider using them only on larger models or as basing details instead. Measure your miniature's height against the shield's 19mm to ensure a good fit.
- Likely cause: Using shields on incompatible miniatures: Riot shields are designed for 28mm heroic scale. If your miniatures are smaller or use a different proportion, the shields will stand out. Swap them to your largest infantry or use them as objective markers. Keep a test miniature handy to check proportions before committing.
- Corrective action: Adjusting the shields for your project: If the shields are too big, you can trim them with a hobby knife to reduce height or width. If they are too small, use them on vehicles or terrain as armor plates. For painting, prime them, apply a base coat, then add details like hazard stripes or emblems. Always test paint on a spare shield to see how the colors look on the resin.
- When to stop or choose another option: If you find that the shields require too much modification to fit your army's aesthetic, or if you need a different style (like round or tower shields), consider exploring other shield options from Victoria Miniatures or other manufacturers. The riot shields are best for modern or sci-fi themes. If the style doesn't match your army, don't force it—look for alternatives that better fit your vision.
Product Facts
- Riot Shields x5: This set includes five riot shields designed for 28mm heroic scale troops, each measuring 19mm high by 13mm wide. You get a consistent set of shields that will fit most standard 28mm infantry without needing to adjust sizes, saving you conversion time.
Riot Shields x5
